Rio Hondo College celebrates Latino Heritage Month

WHITTIER >> Rio Hondo College hosted in the first-ever Latino Heritage Month celebration on Saturday with dance, music and food.

The event was hosted by the school’s Division of Arts and Cultural Programs and Student Life and Activities and featured an array of entertainment, including traditional Latin American dances and music performed by the Plaza de la Raza Youth Mariachi and Folklorico ensembles.

Those in attendance were also able to collect information at community and student booths.

“Rio Hondo College is happy to open its doors to the public for such a special event,” board President Madeline Shapiro said.

Rio Hondo President Teresa Dreyfuss said the event was an opportunity to learn more about the college as they celebrated National Latino Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

The month, which began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, and was expanded in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, is designed to recognize the contributions of Latino-Americans to the country.